What steps can I take to make my front door more secure?

When thinking of doors, particularly your front door, don't think of it as decoration that shows off your house, think of it as your first line of defence against burglars and intruders. Firstly, if you have an old door or one that hasn't been upgraded in a while it's a good idea to strengthen it. In most burglaries, the perpetrator forces the locks on the front door or simply kicks it in to gain access to the property. A strong and secure door with a strong deadbolt lock is the best deterrent to intruders and burglars. Consult a locksmith to weigh up your options when thinking about securing your front door.

Is common sense enough?

An indestructable front door is one thing but opening your door to strangers is another. As a rule of thumb, if you dont recognise a person who is at your front door be more alert to your surroundings. Install important safety equipment such as a door chain and mirror so you can see who is at the door without releasing the chain. Door chains in general are a good idea to keep you safe from anyone that is at your door. However, sometimes your front door alone has its own weaknesses that burglars can prey on without using you for help, there has been a sharp rise in 'Fishing' over the last few years.

What is 'Fishing'?

The actual process of‘fishing’ basically involves a rod and a hook. If yourletterbox is not secured properly it is simple for someone to put a makeshift fishing rod through it and fish around forvaluables. This simple yet devastating technique is used nationwide by burglars to gain access to your personal valuables without having to even step foot in your front door. 85% of cars stolen are actually driven away by the person who stole it as they already had the keys!

How to prevent 'Fishing'

As the main access point to your front door for burglars is your letterbox it's a good idea to make this more secure. Invest in a letterplate restrictor to secure your property. This will block any intruder trying to gain access to your property and as it restricts the opening. Perfect for reducing the risk of vandalism, lock manipulation and 'fishing'. Another simple way to avoid being 'fished' is to leave your keys far away from your front door. Keep them in a safe place that only you and your family members only know about.